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College Athletes Should Get Paid Essay

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The college sports industry makes about $11 billion in yearly income, but not a penny of this goes to the athletes. There are many controversies over paying college athletes; these controversies date back to about the 1900s. More and more people are beginning to voice their opinions on whether to pay college athletes or not; people from former President, Barack Obama, to former collegiate football player, Dr. Phil, have voiced their opinions. College athletes would possibly stay in school longer if they got paid, plus they bring in tons of money to the school or university, and for every game they put their bodies on the line. I believe college athletes should get paid despite them possibly becoming financially irresponsible, already having …show more content…

This could increase graduation rates because students would not leave school to go back home and support their families or leave to pursue pro sports. “Many players cite financial hardship as the reason that they declare early for the draft…For most athletes coming from low-income situations, college is just a time that they are a horse on a cart, all the while the carrot of a professional contract is being dangled in front of their face” (Jared Walch). Players who stay and play through college give themselves time to grow up and mature in the sport and in life in general. On the other hand, paying college athletes could lead to financial irresponsibility and missing class. Because college athletes are still young, there is no telling how they will act if they are given decent amounts of money. Colin Cowherd is an American sports media personality who has spoken on ESPN Kickoff and Fox Sports Radio and has had many opinions on paying college athletes. “I don’t think paying all college athletes is great; not every college is loaded, and most 19-year-olds (are) gonna spend it—and let’s be honest, they’re gonna spend it on weed and kicks!” (Cowherd). At a young age they would not know how to properly manage their money, and they are at college by themselves, without an adult to guide them with their financial

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